Midrasha in Berkeley

CENTER FOR JEWISH LIVING AND LEARNING (CJLL)

is the education division of the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay. The CJLL helps run the Midrasha Retreats and provides curricular material and professional development.  The Director of the CJLL is Oren Massey, 510-318-6434 and  The Director of Youth Services at the CJLL is Loal Isaacs (816-0399).

ETGAR (Challenge)

is the 9th grade core program. Three required weekend retreats and Sunday morning classes on the theme of Jewish identity.

GESHARIM (Bridges)

is the 8th grade core program on the themes of ethics and values. There are two required weekend retreats and Sunday morning classes on the theme of Jewish ethics.

HADRACHA (Leadership)

is the leadership program for selected11th graders who become counselors in training on the Midrasha Retreats. Admission is by application and training involves frequent meetings, plus participation on all Midrasha Retreats.

KESHER (Connection)

is the 10th-12th grade program combining three weekend retreats, and Sunday morning classes.

KESHER ALEPH

is for 10th graders and the theme is Israel.

KESHER BET

is for 11th and 12th graders. The yearly theme alternates between The American Jewish Experience and Jewish Spirituality and Thought.

LET’S GO ISRAEL!

is a four week trip to Israel sponsored by the CJLL and the Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay. The Shalicha (emissary from Israel), Elad Geva, is in charge of the trip and can be reached at (839-2900 ext. 255.)

MIDRASHA IN CONTRA COSTA (CCM)

Meets Wednesday evenings at Congregation B’nai Shalom. The director is Devra Aarons, 925-944-4701.

MIDRASHA IN OAKLAND (BAM)

Meets Tuesday evenings at Temple Sinai's temporary location. The director is Kendra Lubalin, 501-6692.

MIDRASHA IN TRI-VALLEY / TRI- CITIES (TVC)

Meets Sunday evenings at Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton. The director is Day Schildkret, 925-931-1055.

SHALHEVET (Flame)

is a ten week course in the second semester, covering the Holocaust and Eastern European Jewish culture, culminating with a two week trip to Poland and Israel.

WALKER CREEK RANCH

is the site for all Etgar and Kesher weekends. It is located near Petaluma.